Aeronautical Engineering Design & Analysis Research Fellowship

Reference code: AFIT-2026-0024

About the role

The Air Force Institute of Technology is offering a graduate level fellowship at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. As an ORISE participant, you will engage in research focused on the integrated design and analysis of an advanced aircraft concept featuring a novel structural system and conventional, electric, or hybrid-electric propulsion technologies. You will explore aircraft systems engineering principles and use modeling, simulation, and analytical methods to examine aerodynamic performance, propulsion–airframe integration, aircraft configuration, and overall system effectiveness. Through this research, you will investigate how emerging propulsion technologies and innovative structural concepts influence aircraft performance, mission capability, and operational considerations.

Responsibilities

• Apply aircraft systems engineering and systems analysis concepts to integrated aircraft design and performance assessment
• Explore aircraft design trade studies involving aerodynamic design, propulsion–airframe integration, structural concepts, and conventional, electric, and hybrid-electric propulsion technologies
• Examine aircraft operational tradeoffs to better understand economic viability, mission requirements, and military effectiveness
• Develop analytical and modeling skills by evaluating aircraft aerodynamics, weight, takeoff and landing performance, climb capability, propulsion-system performance, and associated flight-envelope limitations
• Gain experience with modeling and simulation approaches used to evaluate aircraft mission performance and assess operational capabilities across representative mission scenarios

Qualifications

The qualified candidate will hold or will be currently pursuing a graduate degree (master's or doctoral) in disciplines such as Aerospace, Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering.

Preferred skills

• Solid academic background in Aeronautical / Aerospace / Mechanical Engineering
• Academic or practical experience in Systems Engineering and/or Numerical Analysis
• Prior experience with Aircraft Performance, Aircraft Propulsion and/or Aerodynamic Design
• Interests and talents in developmental panel-method aerodynamics and/or modelling of propulsion systems including aerodynamic and thermodynamic considerations and/or analysis of aerospace structures including buckling analysis

Application requirements

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records — copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications
• One Recommendation — recommender will rate scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you

Provisions

• Stipend determined by AFIT (typically based on academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location)
• Health Insurance Supplement (participants eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

Stipend

$3,600.00 – $5,000.00 Monthly

Appointment length

This appointment is a ten-week research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

Location

Dayton, Ohio (Wright-Patterson Air Force Base)

Start date

Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and internships or fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

About AFIT

The Air Force Institute of Technology, or AFIT, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the Air Force's graduate school of engineering and management as well as its institution for technical professional continuing education. A component of Air University and Air Education and Training Command, AFIT is committed to providing defense-focused graduate and professional continuing education and research to sustain the technological supremacy of America's air, space and cyber forces.

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Eligibility requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by July 1, 2027
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.00
• Discipline(s): Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (Scientific Computing and Informatics); Engineering
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 months